January to December 2020

Newsletter
Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT)
Workshop/Training

Teachers’ Training Workshop at Kushtia

Proteeti School, Kushtia in collaboration with BIIT
(Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought) organized a two
days long ‘Teachers’ Training Workshop’ at Proteeti
School Campus in Kushtia town on February 7-8, 2020. In
the first day (7th Feb) the program started with recitation
from the Holy Qur’an at 8:30 am. Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain,
Chairman of the school committee and professor at the
Dept. of Da’wah and Islamic Studies of Islamic University Kushtia inaugurated the workshop with a
welcoming speech. Dr. M. Abul Aziz, Executive Director of Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought
presented the keynote paper on ‘Knowledge, Education and Teaching’ before the participants.

Prof. Tahera Khatun, Founder Principal of Ingenious

International School & College, Dhaka delivered a lecture on
‘Objective and Methods of Teaching’. While Ms. Jesmin
Nahar, Assistant Professor of Govt. Teachers’ Training
College, Dhaka presented a paper titled ‘Preparing a Lesson
Plan’. The session ended with the question, answer and group
discussion and followed by lunch and tea.

In the second day (8th Feb) Ms. Jesmin Nahar, Assistant Professor of Govt. Teachers’ Training College,
Dhaka delivered a lecture on ‘Classroom Management with a Special Reference to Use of Multimedia’.

BJIT Workshop on Research and Publication Held

Knowledge generation and dissemination are the main task of every knowledge-based institution is lead
through publication. Publication experience of an author reflects the combination of his skills, knowledge,
and experience on a particular discourse.

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Former Deputy Dean at Faculty of Education in the University of Malaya and the faculty of Taylor’s
University Professor Dr. Moses Samuel made these remarks while addressing his speech in a workshop
(Online) titled "Publishing in Academic Journals and Epistemological Integration in Research" organized by
Bangladesh Journal of Integrated Thoughts (BJIT) on 26th
September 2020. BJIT is an interdisciplinary bilingual (English
and Bangla) journal published by private think tank Bangladesh
Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT) mainly aims to promote the
idea of reconstruction and integration of knowledge. The workshop
is organized as the part of BJIT’s efforts to contribute in capacity
building for research and publication moderated by the executive editor of BJIT Dr. Ali Azgor Talukder.

More than hundred Academics and scholars have joined the international conference from many countries
across the world including US, UK, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Uganda Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Professor Dr. Moses Samuel further said that there are some steps of publication including manuscript
preparation, peer review process, decision and publicizing process after publication. He also said about the
selection of journal and warned about the predatory journals.

Taking part in the Question and Answer session, he added that the rejection of an article by a journal is the
part of publication. It always does not mean the poor quality of the piece of writing. Many journals have
different styles, objectives, scopes, which considered in acceptance of an article. So the author should be
passionate and rewrite the article after having a comment.

In another part of the conversation, Professor Dr. Mulyadhi Karatanegara from the State Islamic University
of Zakarta talked on “Epistemological Integration in Research”. He said that there are some basic talks
always debated among intellectuals like rejection of the
empirical objects, rejection of the non-empirical scientific
status and the rejection of the non-empirical source of
knowledge. He then explained Islamic perspective towards
empirical objects. There are two objects- physical and Non-
Physical objects. The modern science argues always rejection
of non-physical objects while Islam accepts both physical and
non-physical objects. Modern accepts just empirical thought, but denies accepting non-empirical beliefs,
truths and practices. But Islam accepts all with its comprehensive outlook.

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Taking part in the Question and Answer session, Professor Dr. Mulyadhi Karatanegara added that merely a
focus on physical object, ignoring psychological object would make imbalance and consequence over
human being. So the epistemological integration is indispensable.

In an inaugural speech, Harvard Graduate and the Secretary

General of IIIT (USA) Prof. Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule said that the
Integration of knowledge is an idea to be spread, elaborate and
clarified among the people. The publication is the best way of
exchanging ideas and communication among intellectuals and
knowledge dissemination.
In concluding remarks, the executive director of BIIT and the
country representative of IIIT, Bangladesh said about the necessity
of a platform where the intellectuals and scholars can explore their
expertise on the integration of scientific exploration to values,
morals and faiths.

BIIT-IIIT Workshop on ‘Thesis into Book’ Held

Bangladesh Institute of Islamic thought (BIIT) in collaboration with International Institute of Islamic
thought (IIIT) and IIUM Press, Malaysia organized a daylong research and publication workshop via zoom
on October 24 2020. Professor Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim, the director of IIUM press, Malaysia, was the
speaker of the workshop titled “Thesis into Book”. The workshop was organized as the part of "BIIT-IIIT
Teaching Training Series- 2" chaired by the executive director of BIIT Dr. M. Abdul Aziz. A selected
number of Academics and scholars have participated into the workshop on pre-registration basis.

Professor Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim in his deliberation elaborated the key steps of turning a thesis/dissertation
into book. The key difference, in according to him, between
thesis and book is the audience, while thesis for few scholars
and the book for general educated people. He also added many
other aspects- length, shape, narrative line and voice density,
which have made clear distinction between the thesis and the
book. In publishing process, the publisher has always-keen
focus on securing the profit. So the author shall design the

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 book- title, argument, body by attractive-catchy words and
stories. He has further said that, the author should re-structure
and remove academic jargon and simplifying the thesis into
readable form of book.

Taking part in the Question and Answer session, many

participants have shared their observation and queries regarding their dissertation. Professor Dr. Roosfa Bin
Hashim in response of such queries has identified some common mistakes of the author and corrected those
with detailed explanation.

In concluding remarks, the executive director of BIIT Dr. M. Abdul Aziz has thanked everyone for their
daylong active participation into the workshop.

BIIT-IIIT Online Teaching Training Series on "Textbook Writing Workshop" Held

Bangladesh based private think tank Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT), International Think
Tank International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) South Asia and IIUM Press Malaysia jointly
organized a daylong Teaching Training Series on "Textbook Writing Workshop" on Saturday, November
21, 2020.

Professor Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim, the Director of IIUM Press,

Malaysia was present as the facilitator at the workshop. Professor
Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule Sr., the CEO of IIIT, USA and Harvard
University visiting faculty was present on the occasion as a
resource person. Prof. Dr. AKM Quader, the Vice President of
BIIT inaugurated the online workshop moderated by Dr. M.
Abdul Aziz, the Executive Director of BIIT.

Professor Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim, taking part as the discussant on the first session entitled "Design your
Text Book", said that the textbook is a well-designed source of knowledge on any particular subject.
However, in this case, it is very important for the text to be easy to understand, accurate and consistent. In
the discussion, he emphasized on the four main aspects of the textbook - the main content, assessment,
teaching strategies and outcomes.

Participating in the second session of the discussion titled “Writing a Textbook Chapter” Prof. Dr. Roosfa
Bin Hashim said that textbook assists a teacher to apply the best pedagogy in class. Each and every textbook
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is designed with unique teaching techniques and emphasis on teaching outcomes. In the discussion, he has
also pointed to some important aspects- knowledge, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Prof. Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. took part in the 3rd session of the
program titled "Writing a Textbook: An Integrated Perspective".
During his discussion, he discussed in detail the source of
knowledge and the current system of dual education in different
countries of the Muslim world. He explicitly explains how
Western-style secular education and simultaneously prevailed
separate religious or moral education has created self-contradiction
and ambiguity among the masses about worldview and the major doctrines of knowledge. As a solution to
this, he laid special emphasis on promoting an integrated education system based on religious values.

Prof. Dr. AKM Quader, Acting President of BIIT in his inaugural

address said that the lack of moral values among the new
generation is becoming more and more evident. Now the
incorporation of values into education may pave the way of
getting a values inspired generation.

In the fourth session of the daylong workshop, Prof. Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim in his lecture titled " Textbook
Proposal for Grant/ Publication” said that it is important to highlight the intellectual potential of an author as
well as the business potential of the publisher.

Taking part in the Question & Answer session, Prof. Dr. Roosfa Bin Hashim further said that books are the
most effective teaching materials and techniques. In this case, while writing a book, an author must pay
special attention to making it easy to read and understandable to the reader.

As moderator of the workshop, Dr. M. Abdul Aziz, the executive

director of BIIT said that the journey of private think tank BIIT
began with the aim of reconstruction of thought and reformation
of knowledge. He focused the key tasks of BIIT; Training for
building skilled manpower, formulation of integrated curriculum,
formulation of value-based textbooks and development of an
educational environment with providing library and other infrastructural facilities. Following the continued
efforts of global Muslim leaders and the declaration of the four World Muslim Education Conferences, BIIT

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is working to promote value-based integrated education in Bangladesh. He has also indicated that the
academic curriculum and texts are biased to western cultures and ideologies, instead of Islamic culture and
values. In this situation, we need a comprehensive and
coordinated effort to redesigning the curriculum with
integration of values and the revival of Islamic tradition.

Around hundred participants including academics and

scholars have joined the daylong workshop from many
countries across the world including the US, the UK, Canada,
Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives, Nigeria, Tanzania and Bangladesh.

Intellectual Discourse/Lecture Series

BIIT-IIIT Webinar Conference on Human Civilization Held

The human community in this age of modern civilization has been divided into many casts and creeds like
black and white, rich and poor. Man-to-man conflict, violence,
anarchy mars the human solidarity in a moment which took
centuries to come into this stage. Racism in one side and on the
other side, class discrimination is leading the world into the
abyss of anarchy. To get out of such depressing global situation
welfare oriented political and socio-economic system is
needed, where justice and equality will be the basis.

Former Secretary Shah Abdul Hannan made this remarks while addressing keynote speech in a conference
(Webinar) titled "Human Civilization: Foundation & Challenges" organized by Bangladesh based Private
think tank and research institute Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT) in Uttara on Sunday. The
conference is organized as the part of "BIIT-IIIT Online Intellectual Discourse Series" moderated by the
executive director of BIIT Dr. M. Abdul Aziz.

In his speech, Shah Abdul Hannan further said that three main issues mainly divided the human community
are racism, class discrimination and caste system. The superiority of man over man based on black and
white has taken a formidable shape throughout the Europe and America. Although slavery has legally been
obliterated in the United States, still remains at every stages of the society. Communism at the beginning of
20th century came into exist with the promise of a society free from exploitation through class struggle, has
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fallen at the end of century. It has been evident again that the civilization cannot stand on the basis of
injustice and exploitation.

Pointing to the caste-based social system of the Indian subcontinent, the former secretary said that most of
the people in India now want to get rid of this chaotic social
system. They dream for establishing a classless society.

Taking part in the Question and Answer session, he added that

though capitalism get survived in the current world order, drugs,
unruly sex, inequality and social injustice in the Western
countries are shaking the very foundations of western
civilization. In this situation, the world needs a new socio-economic system that will initiate a new chapter
of human civilization based on equality and justice.

Hundreds of people from different professions including researchers and academicians participated in the
conference.

IIIT-BIIT International Webinar Conference on Science and Quran Held

Truth remains the vitalizing force of the Holy Quran which poses a challenge to the scientists (who are
known as truth-seekers) to discover this truth existing in the whole of Creation. The Qur'an distinguishes
between truth and falsehood. Once science used to argue something true, now has been replaced with the
discovery of new knowledge. On the other hand, the Qur'an revealed the truth about one and a half thousand
years ago, still remains the same and gets more firm with the advancement of human knowledge and
science. The truth is the meeting point between the Qur'an and science and the argument that there is
a conflict between them is nothing but myth.

Renowned scientist and former president of Bangladesh Academy of Science and the founding Vice
Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Professor Dr. M.
Shamsher Ali took part as the keynote speaker in the
international conference on “How Does the Qur’an Deal with
Science?”. The program was organized on Saturday, 29
August 2020 as the part of “IIIT-BIIT Intellectual Discourse
Series” by US-based international think tank, International

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Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) and Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT). CEO of IIIT, USA
and the Visiting Professor of Harvard University Dr. Omar Hasan K. Kasule inaugurated the international
conference moderated by the executive director of BIIT, Dr. M. Abdul Aziz.

More than hundred Academics and scholars have joined the international conference from many countries
across the world including US, UK, Uganda, Tanzania, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, KSA,
Nigeria, Guinea and Sri Lanka. Among participants Anwar
Cara from UK, Elida from Indonesia, Ramadani Kingo from
Tanzania, Mwebesa Umar from Uganda, Suleman Dangor
from South Africa, Rakia Ashraf from Pakistan, Mutaharra
Deva from India, Dr. Mursalin from Sri Lanka and Dara
Iffah, Prof. Rosnani Hashim from Malaysia were notable
persons. Also among Bangladeshis Air Commodore Dr. Syed Zilani Mahbubur Rahman, Prof. Dr.
Sultana Razia (BUET), Prof. Dr. Shamsuddin Ahmed (IUT) and Prof. Dr. Yousuf M. Islam (DIU) have
joined the international conference.

Professor Dr. M. Shamsher Ali further said the limitation of knowledge leads us to the
contrary between the Qur'an and science. So, it is essential to acquire integrated knowledge
of Qur'an and science.

Having participated in the Question and Answer session, he added that conventional science is limited to
research basis on some particular assumptions. The area of Quranic discussion is broad. He also said
quoting a verse from Surah Yunus of Quran, Allah inspired the Muslim to explore everything what is exist
between the middle of sky and land.

Prof. Dr. Omar Hasan K. Kasule in his inaugural speech said that
the Qur'an is the primary source of all knowledge and the Qur'an is
very selective in the coverage of details leaving the field open to
humans to observe, search for and
understand Allah's signs on earth.

In the concluding speech Dr. M.

Abdul Aziz said that it is an urgent need to make combination of revealed
and acquired knowledge, which is able to play an important role for
finding the truth.

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BIIT International Conference on Economic Development in Islam (Webinar) Held
Islam is the complete code of life covers all aspects of human being including social, cultural, political and
economic life. Unlike other religion, it indicates the way of success not only in spiritual life rather also in
worldly life. As Allah urges the believer to seek welfare in Duniyah (Worldly life) and Akhirah (Spiritual
life). The economic development of a Muslim aims not merely to serve the purpose of Duniyea rather of
Akhirah.

Former Dean of Research Management Center in IIUM and the founding Vice Chancellor of Asian
University of Bangladesh Professor Dr. Abulhasan M. Sadeq made those remarks while addressing his
keynote speech in the international conference on “Economic Development in Islam”. The program was
organized on Saturday, 26 September 2020 as the part of “IIIT-BIIT Intellectual Discourse Series” by US-
based international think tank, International Institute of Islamic
Thought (IIIT) and Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought
(BIIT). Secretary General of IIIT, USA and the faculty of
medicine at the King Fahad Medical City Dr. Omar Hasan K.
Kasule inaugurated the international conference chaired by the
executive director of BIIT, Dr. M. Abdul Aziz.

Professor Dr. Abulhasan M. Sadeq further said that the economic development has no uniform definition
across the world. General economist indicates the growth, industrialization or distribution as the
components of economic development. However, In Islam there are three indicators mean economic
development- wealth or resource acquisition, equity in
distribution, and normative development (Promotion of social and
ethical values).

He also said that the way of economic growth in Islam is

completely different from general approach. Islam encourages the
utilization of intellectual and material resources to earn money in
one hand, on the other hand urge the rich people to give zakah and sadaqah. It prohibits the discrimination
and fraud in business and commands to confirm ethical conducts.

Having participated in the Question and Answer session, he added that Islam urges the believer to confirm
just and equitable distribution of their resources. Islam also encourages normative development means the
promotion of social and ethical values. The business shall not just serve the purpose of worldly pleasure,
rather for sake of humanity.
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In inaugural speech, Prof. Dr. Omar Hasan Kasule said that economy is an essential part of our life. We are
not self-sufficient. We have to rely on others to meet our different needs. Then it comes about exchange of
goods and services. The economy starts then. In today’s world,
two concerns related to economy are significant. One is interest-
based economy that deteriorates the state of poor and makes the
rich richer. Another is the accumulation of resources by few
people. In this situation, the Islamic economy with its
humanitarian approach and the principles of equitable distribution
can play a significant role to end the economic crisis of human being.

More than hundred Academics and scholars had joined the international conference from many countries
across the world including India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Seminars/Conference

IIIT- BIIT International Seminar on ‘Gender and Society’

Gender discrimination, inequality and all forms of injustice have no place in Islam. Islam asserts the
elimination of gender discrimination by empowering women- self dependence, individualism, and freedom.
The justice in Islam stems from the clear instructions of the great
Almighty Allah. In Islam, the excellence is determined only by a
person's piety and good deeds, not by the gender. Professor Dr. Syeda
Sultana Razia, Head of the department of Chemical Engineering at
BUET, the member of the Advisory board at Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW), Netherland and the assembly member at International Islamic Charity Organization
(IICO), Kuwait mentioned those words while presenting her paper titled “Towards a Just Society through
Gender Mainstreaming” in an international seminar as keynote speaker.

International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) - the US based International think tank and its Bangladeshi
affiliate - Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought (BIIT) jointly organized an international Seminar
(Webinar) titled “Gender and Society” held on 30th October 2020 as part of IIIT-BIIT Intellectual
Discourse Series where Asian Muslim Action Network (AMAN), Indonesia and Asian Resource Foundation
(ARF), Thailand co-partnered the event.

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Professor Sultana Razia further said that Islam has emphasized special role for men and women in
considering their differences physically. Except this, Islam has offered no other differences in regard to their
worth, dignity, privileges and social rights. She also mentioned that Bangladesh is ranked 50th out of 153
countries across the world in according to the “Global Gender Gap Report 2020” on Gender Equality.

Addressing as the Guest of Honor, Professor Dr. Masuda M Rashid

Chowdhury, Member of National Parliament for Reserved
Constituency of Women said that women empowerment in
Bangladesh requires removing the obstacles in terms of educational,
political, social and economic.

Professor Dr. Omar Hassan Kasule in his inaugural speech said that
the Prophet (peace be upon him) came with the ideals of justice in a
society, which was full discrimination, injustice and violence in then
Arab societies.

Taking part in the discussion as panelist, Ms Ruby Khalifa, the Secretary General of AMAN said that social
justice, which guarantees human and social rights for all is fully
compatible with Islam regardless of their respective gender, religion
or caste. She focused on some case studies with her Indonesian
experiences.

Participating in the discussion

as another panelist, Senior Academic Fellow of the Oxford-based
think tank Atlantic Council and Professor of the Faculty of Medicine,
University of Technology, (MARA) Professor Dr. Rauda Mohd
Yunus said that though Islam is the only religion that protects
women's rights based on equity, but there is still gap between theory and practices even among Muslims.

The seminar was chaired by Dr. M Abdul Aziz, the executive director
of BIIT and faculty at Islamic University of Technology (IUT), OIC.
In his concluding speech, Dr. Aziz said that reconstruction of thought
and existing mind is pre-requisite to build a just society as social
structure in most cases and the mind sets of Muslim female in few

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cases are responsible for unbalancing gender.

Around hundred participants including Academics and scholars have

joined the international seminar from many countries across the
world including the US, the UK, France, India, Malaysia, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Maldives and Bangladesh.

National Conference on Towards Unity of Ummah

BIIT National Conference on Towards Unity of Ummah held on 20th December 2020.

Roundtable Discussion
Academic Consultation with the Faculty Members of Theology & Islamic Studies at IUK
IIIT Bangladesh organized an Academic Consultation program with the Faculty Members of Theology &
Islamic Studies at the Conference Hall of Theology & Islamic
Studies Faculty on February 8, 2020. Prof Dr. Ahsan Ullah,
Dept. of Da’wah and Islamic Studies presided over the program
while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Solaiman, the Dean of the
Theology & Islamic Studies was the chief guest. Dr. M. Abul
Aziz, Country representative of International Institute of
Islamic Thought delivered the keynote speech while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Wali Ullah of Da’wah and
Islamic Studies, Prof. Dr. Md. Obaydul Islam of Arabic Language
and Literature, Prof. Dr. A.K.M. Mafizul Islam of Arabic Language
and Literature, Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Karim of Da’wah and Islamic
Studies, Prof. Dr. Md. Aktar Hossain of Al-Hadith & Islamic
Studies, Prof. Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman of Bengali, Prof. Dr.
Muhammad Abdul Malek of Arabic Language and Literature, Prof.
Dr. Muhammad Abdullah of Arabic Language and Literature, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tozammel Hossain of
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Arabic Language and Literature, Prof. Dr. A.S.M. Rezwan of Da’wah and Islamic Studies, Prof. Dr. Md.
Shafiqul Islam of Al-Hadith & Islamic Studies, Prof. Dr. A.S.M. Mohammad Ali of Arabic Language and
Literature, Assistant Prof. Altaf Hossain of Al-Fiqh and Legal Studies took part on the discussions. Prof. Dr.
Md. Iqbal Hossain of Da’wah and Islamic Studies acted as moderator of the session. After a discussion it is
decided that faculty members will concentrated on the writing, research and developing the integrated
curriculum where IIIT Bangladesh will providing its resources in connection with the job.

Visit/ Exchange of Views

View Exchange Meeting with the Faculty Members of Business Administration
Dr. M. Abul Aziz, Executive Director of Bangladesh Institute of
Islamic Thought and Country Representative of IIIT Bangladesh
met in an Exchange of views program with the faculty members of
Business Administration at the meeting room of the Department of
Accounting and
Information Systems at
10:00 am on February 8, 2020. Prof. Muhammad Abdus Shaheed
Miah, Prof. Md. Abdul Hannan, Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Sina, Prof. Dr.
Md. Abdus Sabur, Prof. Md. Ruhul Amin and some other faculty
members were also present in the meeting.

Meetings
Meeting with the Chairman, Dept. of Al-Quran & Islamic Studies, IUK
Dr. M. Abul Aziz, Country representative of IIIT met with
Prof. Dr. M. Yaqub Ali, the Chairman of Dept. of Al-Quran
and Islamic Studies on February 8, 2020 at his office and
discussed the
possibilities of
collaboration between
the Department and IIIT. Prof. Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain and Prof. Dr.
Mohammad Wali Ullah of Da’wah and Islamic Studies
Department were also present in the meeting.

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Meeting at the Dept. of Political Science & the Dept. of Public Administration, IUK
Dr. M. Abul Aziz, Country representative of International
Institute of Islamic Thought visited the Department and met
with the faculty members of Dept. of Political Science and
Dept. of Public Administration. Prof. Dr. Raqiba Yasmin,
Prof. Dr. Begum Rokshana Mili and Prof. Dr. Luthfer
Rahman were present in the meeting.

Other Activities of BIIT

Visiting ‘Pitha Uthshab’ at Proteeti School Campus, Kushtia
Dr. M. Abul Aziz, Country representative of International
Institute of Islamic Thought along with Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain,
Chairman of the school committee and professor at the Dept. of
Da’wah and Islamic Studies of Islamic University Kushtia,
Prof. Tahera
Khatun, Founder
Principal of Ingenious International School & College, Dhaka
and Jesmin Nahar, Assistant Professor, Govt. Teachers’
Training College, Dhaka visited “Pitha Uthshab” at Proteeti
School Campus on February 8, 2020.

Publications

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